King Alfred's Viking eBook

Now, coming from bright sunshine into the cool shadow
of the place, I was dazzled at first; but Kolgrim’s
eyes were quick, and we had hardly crossed the threshold,
if I might call it so, when he plucked at my cloak.

“Master,” he whispered, “let me
bide with the men; this is no place for me.”

“Hush,” I whispered; “the king is
yonder.”

“Ay, master—­let me go—­the
king is Godred whom I jested with.”

Harek was smiling, and he pulled Kolgrim forward.

“Have no fear,” he said; “those
who play bowls expect rubs.”

Then the king came down from his throne and towards
us. He had on gilded armour beneath his long,
ermine-trimmed blue cloak, and that pleased me.
He had sword and seax, but no helm, though that was
on a table by the throne—­for he wore a
crown.

Then I too saw that Godred, as he called himself,
was, as the scald had guessed rightly, the king, and
I was a little angry that he had tricked me thus.
But he was laughing at Kolgrim as he came, and my
anger passed at once. King or thane, here was
a pleasant greeting enough.

He held out his hand to Odda first and then to me.
The Saxon kissed it, bending one knee, which was doubtless
right for him, as owning allegiance thereto.
But I shook hands in our own way, saying: